The Canyonlands National Park map is essential when planning and visiting 330,000 acres of buttes, arches, mesas, and canyons. It provides detailed information on the different trails and attractions the park has to offer. It is also a great way to get an idea of the park’s layout before you visit.
Canyonlands National Park Map PDF (Official)
The Canyonlands National Park official map has all the information you need to plan your visit to this gorgeous park.
Canyonlands was formed by the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers, which divides the park into 3 distinct districts: Island In The Sky, the Needles, and the Maze.
There are no shortcuts when driving from one district to another inside the park. For example, from Island In The Sky to the Maze, you’ll travel roughly 150 miles, which will take approximately 2 hours. At the same time, the drive from the Needles to the Maze is around 200 miles and will take about 3 hours.
The Maze is the most remote district in the park. To enjoy the remoteness, you’ll need an off road vehicle to explore, and there are no trails in the area. It’s a fantastic place to explore, but travel here needs to be self-sufficient and is at your own risk.
The best way to explore the park is to stay in campgrounds or BLM areas. You’ll want to camp close to the district you visit.
A visit to this park is like visiting 3 separate National parks, and this official Canyonlands National Park Map will help immensely.
Download the Official Canyonlands National Park Map PDF (1.3 MB)
Canyonlands National Park Terrain Map
If you are interested in hiking during your visit to Canyonlands National Park, pay close attention to the park terrain map.
While the map focuses mainly on the Needles and the Maze districts in the park, it’s helpful in showing the depth of the terrain in those areas. The Needles section of the park, in particular, has some incredible hikes, and the remote nature of the Maze gives visitors a more backcountry experience.
Download the Canyonlands Terrain Map PDF (23 MB)
Canyonlands National Park Trails & Roads Map
The Canyonlands National Park trails and roads map gives an excellent overview of the vast park. Perfect for those planning on visiting more than one district, this map shows you how to get from one to the other and gives you a better idea of just how remote the Maze truly is, as there are no paved roads.
Scenic drives at Canyonlands are awe-inspiring; this map gives you a better idea of where overlooks are on the scenic drives. Canyonlands National Park trails and roads map is also a helpful planning tool for hiking as it includes trailhead parking markers.
Download the Canyonlands Trails & Roads Map (0.6 MB)
Canyonlands Island in the Sky District Map
As the most visited district in the park, Island in the Sky is also the distinct closest to Moab and only a few miles from Arches National Park. Scenic drives, beautiful overlooks, and short hiking trails all make the list of the best things to do at Islands in the Sky.
You can use Canyonlands Island in the Sky district map to plan your exploration of this popular area in the park. Stopping by the Visitor Center will give you a better idea of some of the best places to visit in the district. These include favorites such as the famous Mesa Arch, the gorgeous Grandview Overlook, and the stunning Upheaval Dome.
Download the Canyonlands Island in the Sky District Map (0.6 MB)
Canyonlands Island in the Sky Trails & Roads Map
Those interested in hiking in the Islands in the Sky district will find the trails and roads map invaluable. Not only does this map provide an excellent overview of the area, but it also has a helpful list of all of the hiking trails and the information you need to make informed hiking decisions.
This map provides information on hiking trails’ distances, round-trip hiking time estimates, and even short descriptions of each route. If you’re hiking in this district, you’ll need the Canyonlands Island in the Sky Trails and Roads map to plan your trip.
Download the Canyonlands Island in the Sky Trails & Roads Map (0.5 MB)
Canyonlands Needles District Map
As the most visually striking district in the park, the Needles provides visitors with its unique sandstone rock formations and some very cool hikes to explore. Often overlooked for the more popular Islands in the Sky district, the Needles provide jaw-dropping views and no crowds to those willing to make the drive.
The Needles district map gives an excellent overview of the area’s attractions and hiking trails.
This district looks dramatically different from the Island in the Sky district and is relatively small comparatively, but there is plenty to do and see in the Needles. This section of the park got its name from a collection of sandstone spires or needles, and these alone are worth a trek to this district.
Download the Canyonlands Needles District Map (0.5 MB)
Canyonlands Needles District Roads & Trails Map
The Needles trails and roads map is excellent if you want to check out some of the hikes in the area. There are over 60 miles of interconnecting trails in the Needles, making it a hikers’ paradise. This district also features campgrounds, stunning overlooks, and some 4×4 roads with 50 miles of challenging backcountry roads to explore.
There is a hiking trail for every skill level in the Needles district, and those who want to explore will love easy hikes such as Roadside Ruin, Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook, and the Pothole Point Trail.
For anyone looking for a more challenging adventure, make sure to hike to Chestler Park. You can take a shorter 6-mile hike or a longer 11-mile day hike to Chestler Park to marvel at the Needles.
Download the Canyonlands Needles District Roads & Trails Map (0.3 MB)
Canyonlands the Maze District Map
As the least visited and most remote park area, the Maze requires some extra planning. You can use the Canyonlands the Maze district map to help you plan your backcountry adventure to this secluded area in the park.
The map provides an excellent overview of this park section with no paved roads. Remember that you will need a 4×4 vehicle to explore the Maze.
The Maze features 4×4 off-road exploration, hiking without trails, and petroglyphs. You may wonder where the trails are marked on the map; remember that this district consists of “routes” rather than traditionally maintained trails. These are clearly shown on the map and will help you plan your Maze adventure.
A word of caution, the Maze is recommended for experienced 4×4 drivers and hikers only because it can be challenging to navigate, and help is hard to find in this remote area.
Download the Canyonlands the Maze District Map (0.4 MB)
Canyonlands the Maze District Roads & Trails Map
The Maze district trails and roads map is a great asset to those planning to explore this wild and wonderful section of Canyonlands National Park. It would be best to use GPS and the map to navigate the Maze.
Trails in the Maze are often steep and unmarked, making a map such as this one imperative for safety and direction. Four-wheel driving in the Maze is also classified as difficult and should be avoided by beginner 4×4 drivers.
You can backcountry camp in this park area, but that requires a permit that can be obtained at a Ranger Station. There are both vehicle and group established campsites, but they do not provide toilets or picnic tables.
The area only offers backcountry and primitive camping opportunities.
Download the Canyonlands the Maze District Roads & Trails Map (1 MB)
Canyonlands National Park Vegetation Map
Download the Canyonlands National Park Vegetation Map (3 MB)
What is the Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park?
The best time to visit Canyonlands National Park, particularly for hikers, is Spring and Fall. During this time, the daytime temperature range between 60℉ (15℃) and 80℉ (26℃), making it comfortable while hiking. Late Summer and early Fall often bring a greater chance of thunderstorms and rain (monsoon season) and is not an ideal time to visit Canyonlands.
Canyonlands National Park Map | Final Thoughts
Canyonlands National Park is a rare gem that allows visitors to experience the best that Utah has to offer. Not only does the park feature arches, mesas, spires, and a beautiful canyon, but it also has remote and wild areas that are just begging to be explored. Using the Canyonlands National Park map is the best way to plan your trip to this ruggedly beautiful park.
